Blood on jacket 'extremely persuasive' in Stephen Lawrence case

Monday 5 December 2011 16:03 BST

The combination of blood and fibres found on a grey jacket hanging in Gary Dobson's wardrobe was "extremely persuasive evidence" that its wearer was involved in the murder of Stephen Lawrence, the Old Bailey heard this afternoon.

A total of 15 fibres was discovered on the jacket in a cold case review started 14 years after the murder in 1993.

Forensic scientist Roy Green told the jury that their presence provided "extremely strong support" that they had come from three different items of Stephen's clothing.

Mr Green was then asked about the combination of the fibres and the tiny blood spot - said to provide a one bilion to one link to Stephen - also found on the jacket.

"In my opinion the combination of the blood, DNA and the fibres provides extremely persuasive evidence to link the wearer of the grey jacket to the attack itself and/or contact with the perpetrator soon afterwards," he said.

Dobson has claimed that he had not worn the elasticated bomber jacket for many years. It had been seized from his home in a police raid 15 days after the murder.

Defence lawyers have told the jury the scientific evidence had been contaminated and can not be relied on.

Stephen, an 18-year-old student, was stabbed to death in an attack by up to five young white youths who shouted racist abuse as he waited for a bus in Eltham.

Dobson, 36, and Norris, 35, both of south London, have pleaded not guilty to murder.